Hinokuma Shrine

The shrine can be reached by Nichizengū Station on the Wakayama Electric Railway Kishigawa Line.[1]

At the entrance, the Hinokuma Shrine is located on the left side, and the Kunikakasu Shrine is on the right side. Visiting the shrine in Wakayama City, along with Kamayama Jinja and Itakiso Shrine, is called "Sansha Mairi" (visiting three shrines).

The divine mirrors are considered to be equivalent to the Yata-no-Kagami, one of the sacred treasures housed in the Inner Shrine of Ise Jingu. Since the Yata-no-Kagami is regarded as the divine body of Amaterasu Omikami at Ise Jingu, the gods of the Hinokuma Shrine and Kunikakasu Shrine are considered highly important and receive treatment as quasi-imperial ancestral gods. The name Hinokuma Shrine, which means "shrine in front of the sun god" (Amaterasu Omikami), also suggests that it is a special deity. Furthermore, as Ise Province is located at the eastern exit towards Yamato Province, and our shrine is situated at the western exit, it is said that the shrine possessed almost the same power as Ise Jingu.

The Hinokuma Shrine's main deity, Hinokuma-no-Okami, is also an alternate name for Amaterasu Omikami, and the imperial court revered it as a special shrine that did not receive divine ranks. There were only two shrines, Hinokuma Shrine and Kunikakasu Shrine, that did not receive divine ranks after Ise Jingu. There are various theories about why Hinokuma-no-Okami is considered an alternate name for Amaterasu Omikami.

The shrine is one of the oldest in Japan and has deep connections with mythology. The "Nihon Shoki" mentions that a mirror cast by Ishikori-dome-no-Mikoto before the Yata-no-Kagami, when Amaterasu Omikami hid in Amano-Iwato, is enshrined at the Hinokuma Shrine. According to shrine tradition, in the second year of Emperor Jinmu's reign, after his eastern expedition, Ame-no-Michine-no-Mikoto, the ancestor deity of the Kii Province's ruling family (the Kii clan), was given the Niko Mirror and Nihoko Mirror, both cast before the Yata-no-Kagami. The Niko Mirror was enshrined in the Hinokuma Shrine, and the Nihoko Mirror in the Kunikakasu Shrine.

Initially, the shrine was located in Hamanomiya, Mezugori, Nagusa District, and is said to have been relocated to its current location in the 16th year of Emperor Suinin's reign. In the tradition of Itakiso Shrine, it is said that Itakiso Shrine was originally on this site, but as a result of the transfer of power in Kii Province, the Hinokuma and Kunikakasu gods acquired the land, and Itakiso Shrine relocated to its present location. Additionally, Hamamiya Shrine is enshrined at the former site of the Hinokuma and Kunikakasu Shrines before their relocation.

There is a record of offering a sacred cloth to the Kunikakasu Shrine in 686 (the first year of Shuch?). The shrine was listed as a Myojin Taisha in the "Engishiki Jinmy?ch?" and was considered the Ichinomiya of Kii Province. In the Middle Ages, there are records of people visiting the shrine on their way to Kumano.

In 1585 (Tensh? 13), the shrine was attacked by Toyotomi Hideyoshi, and its land was confiscated. The shrine was destroyed, and the precincts fell into ruin. However, in the Edo period, the shrine was restored by Tokugawa Yorinobu, the first lord of the Kish? Domain. However, the current shrine is only one-fifth the size of its peak, and the structures and facilities do not match those of the past. Furthermore, in 1919 (Taish? 8), all the buildings in the precincts were replaced with government-funded renovations, and the old appearance has changed significantly. The current symmetrical appearance was completed in March 1926 (Taish? 15).

In 1871 (Meiji 4), under the modern shrine ranking system, both shrines were designated as Kanpei Taisha. Currently, the shrine is an independent religious corporation not affiliated with organizations such as the Association of Shinto Shrines.

As Japan modernized during the Meiji period, many shrines underwent changes to adapt to the new era. The Hinokuma and Kunikakasu Shrines were no exception. Although the shrines faced challenges, such as land confiscation, their historical and cultural significance has been preserved through dedicated efforts of local communities and the people who continue to revere the deities enshrined there.

Today, these shrines continue to play an important role in the spiritual lives of the local people. Visitors from all over Japan and around the world come to experience the unique atmosphere and serene beauty of the shrines, which serve as a testament to the rich history and mythology of Japan.

Visitors to the shrines can partake in various rituals and ceremonies, and they may also appreciate the architecture and craftsmanship of the shrine buildings. Festivals and other events are held throughout the year, providing an opportunity to experience traditional Japanese culture and customs.

In conclusion, the Hinokuma and Kunikakasu Shrines, with their deep historical and mythological roots, remain an essential part of Japan's cultural and spiritual heritage. The ongoing preservation and promotion of these shrines ensure that future generations will continue to appreciate and revere the ancient traditions and beliefs they represent.

• List of Jingū

• Official website